Inverness are viewed as "yokels" and "teuchters" and have been given a raw deal in the build-up to the League Cup final, according to Terry Butcher, the Hibernian manager.
The former England captain, who managed the Highlanders for almost five years before taking the helm at Easter Road in November, has backed John Hughes' claim that it is unfair for them to face a league fixture just four days before the biggest match in their history.
Hughes also hit the headlines on Tuesday by outlining a series of refereeing decisions which he believes proves everybody is against Inverness as they prepare for their first major cup final. Butcher, who will provide this evening's opposition, echoed those complaints, and believes nothing has changed regarding how Inverness are treated compared to his time at the club.
"Welcome to Inverness, John!" Butcher smiled. "It's strange that Aberdeen can play last Saturday, but Caley play on the Sunday and then have to play on the Wednesday again.
"Aberdeen have a clear eight-day run at the final against a team that have played two games in that time. It seems very unfair and loaded to the team from the Granite City. I experienced it all the time in Inverness: there is always the feeling that you are the outsiders, the country yokels, the teutchers. That is the way it always was and it will probably always be that way.
Butcher readily admits falling in love with the Highlands during his time there and, alongside assistant Maurice Malpas and chief scout Steve Marsella, created a formidable unit.
And Butcher concedes it will be strange having to plot their downfall this evening. "It is a special place and there will always be a piece of my heart there," he said. "But I have to go back up there to beat them. It is very difficult to get used to saying the words: 'we want to beat Inverness Caledonian Thistle'."
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